I understand that this Employee Handbook describes important information about the issuing company. The issuing company has the sole discretion to alter these policies from time to time. I also understand that revisions to these policies may supersede or eliminate one or more existing policies and that all such changes will be communicated through official notices.
I understand that this Employee Handbook is neither a contract for employment, express or implied. I have read and will comply with both the policies contained here and any revisions made to it. This Employee Handbook supersedes any and all prior editions.
Delight Studios Employee Handbook
Creating a Company We Love
I’d like to personally welcome you to the team. It’s an exciting time for Delight Studios as we continue to grow, we strive to remain as adaptable, motivated and responsive to our new employees as we are to our customers. We pride ourselves on being customer-focused, relevant, and open to new ideas. We’re glad to have you on board!
We’re continuously transforming the way we operate to improve our ability to innovate, expand, and make our customers’ lives better. Our employees and partners have continued to meet the challenges of our field and to excel despite setbacks. We are very proud of where we are today and excited about where we are headed.
Before I finish, I’d just like you to know that you, as part of our team, are our most important and greatest asset. We could not accomplish what we do every day without our employees. I’m very pleased to welcome you to Delight Studios and look forward to working with you!
Dawson Whitfield
About us
Who we are
We aren't big on the daily grind mentality. Our company values, objectives and philosophy are a direct reflection of the kind of studio culture we want to inspire: where everyone involved is driven to create world-class next-generation products and user experiences with meaningful, positive impact.
Simply put: we strive to be the best. And we're looking for more like us. Our recruiting radar is always on: seeking the next superstar from every discipline.
It takes drive, creativity and a passion for solving tough challenges (and we mean tough).
Our Three Guiding Values
1
Embrace and Drive Change.
Charles Darwin once said: "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change."
We carry that idea with us as we continue to grow our products, services, and company.
2
Be Passionate and Determined
We owe it to ourselves to work on things we are passionate about. If you're passionate about something, you'll do a better job and enjoy the process. There some necessary evils at every job, but it's up to you to make sure you're passionate about what you're working on.
Where We Came From
Company Structure
We are proud of being a fairly 'flat' company. That means there are no real 'bosses'. Everyone can have a meeting with anyone. Anyone can make a major product decision if they can back it up.
Generally, we're made up of product managers, designers, developers, and our amazing office admin.
We have fun.
Your First Days
You're Hired - What's next?
1
Your First Day
Your first day will be fairly slow. First, you'll sign all the paperwork and read this handbook!
Then, you'll have a chance to meet everyone including your project manager. They will show you around and then walk you through your first project.
Training
Everyone is coupled with a buddy, who will show you the ropes over the first few weeks. You are encouraged to ask as many questions as you can.
The first week is intensive training, with a couple weeks after for questions here and there. By the end of the first week, you should be fully prepared to do your job independently.
Who Should I Contact For X?
If you have general questions (or aren't sure to ask), ask your direct manager. Otherwise, please ask your question directly to who you think could answer it best.
Sales | Product | HR Sarah Lee sarah@example.com |
Policies
Can I work from home?
Yes. You're welcome to WFH once in a while, but we ask you limit WFH days to once every 2 weeks. Please let your manager know you're WFH the day before.
Absence / Lateness Policy
Absences: Absences or significant lateness (20 min) without communication are serious offenses and will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. These can end in immediate termination.
Lateness: Being over 20 minutes late without communication will result in a write up. Lateness with communication under 20 minutes is dealt with on a case by case basis and may or may not result in a write up.
If you know ahead of time that you will be absent or late, provide reasonable advance notice to the team. Employees may be required to provide documentation of any medical or other excuse for being absent or late.
Delight Studios' reserves the right to apply unused vacation, sick time, or other paid time off to unauthorized absences. Absences resulting from legal requirements are exceptions to the policy.
How much vacation time do I get?
We offer unlimited vacation days!
How many sick days do I get?
We offer unlimited sick days!
Confidentiality
By nature, we deal with confidential and sensitive information about our operations and our customers. Everyone on the team is expected to keep these secure within the company.
It is required that all information about Delight Studios, its customers and other employees be kept strictly confidential. The release of confidential information, whether intentional or unintentional, can injure Delight Studios and those individuals associated with it.
If an employee is unsure if something is confidential, or has any questions regarding the employee’s responsibilities in dealing with or releasing confidential materials, please ask the Office Manager.
Please refer to our NDA for more information.
Time Wasting at Work
We work in an incredibly demanding service-based industry. We can't afford to spend our days watching cute cats. The occasional video is fine, but your focus at work should be work. If you do end up getting distracted for a minute, please do not let it distract others (ahem *use headphones*).
Taking important personal calls is fine, but please limit them in length to only what's needed.
Good to Know's
What times do people work?
We all try and get into the office for 10am and typically leave around 6pm
I Need Gear!
If you need gear, please let your direct manager know.
Delight Studios will provide you with the equipment you need in order to do your job. Typically this means an Apple computer, mouse, keyboard, and monitor, but special equipment requests are welcomed and will be approved on a case by case basis.
Some things we are happy to purchase for you:
- Laptop
- Monitor
- Keyboard / mouse
- Company tshirt / sweater
To request equipment, find what you’d like on Amazon, and email a link to that item or items to your manager and we’ll do what we can within reason!
What do people wear?
We don't have a dress code, but people typically wear jeans, tshirts, running shoes, etc. Sometimes people wear blazers if they are feeling fancy.
Can I bring my dog into work?
If your dog is well behaved, you can bring them in once in a while. Please make sure they are with you at all times.
Office Lunch
You may take up to an hour for lunch when possible to do so, so feel free to meet a friend, run an errand, etc.
Snacks are available in the kitchen. These are meant to be enjoyed throughout the day as quick energy boosts, but are not a meal replacement. Please be courteous and do not use these as an alternative to lunch or dinner.
We also try to keep the fridge stocked with beverages. Please be courteous and mindful of your usage. You are required to clean up after yourself and keep the kitchen clean. We are part of a family here and you should treat the kitchen and office space with respect.
Team Outings
We try our best to plan as many activities as possible. It’s important for us to get to know each other as a team and as people, inside and outside the office. These are work events and all employees are expected to make a conscious effort to attend.
Even outside the office, all employees are expected to behave appropriately towards one another. Do not make anyone feel uncomfortable. Be a good human. If you consume any alcohol, do not drive until it is legally safe to do so. If you are unsure, please use Uber or have somebody else drive you.
How often are performance reviews held?
We have performance reviews every 6 months. These are just coffee chats with your direct manager.
First / Last One in The Office
If you're the first one in the office, you'll need to de-activate the alarm. Upon entry, the alarm will be on your left and you'll have 30 seconds to enter the code: 5555.
If you're the last one in the office, just lock the door on your way out.
I want to take a vacation / time off, how early do I need to tell you?
Please confirm one week before you'd like to take time off.
Company Expenses
Every employee is given a company credit card. You are expected to use this ONLY for purchases required to do your job well.
Things allowed:
- Books
- Conferences (under $500)
- Computer / monitor / peripherals
- Coffee
Not allowed:
- Lunch / dinner
- Transportation
- Kittens
Compensation
Getting Paid
When
Employees are paid twice a month, the first and fifteenth day of the month.
How
We pay via direct deposit or check. To set up your payments, talk to Jenn in HR.
Bonuses
We offer a bonus of 10% of your yearly salary. Bonuses are not guaranteed, and are only given if everything in the company is going swimmingly.
Bonuses are given in early december. Bonuses are given based on how many months of that year you worked. IE if you worked 12 months, you get your full bonus; if you started with us 6 months ago, you'll get 50% of your bonus.
Candidate Referrals
If you know (or meet) someone that you think would be a great fit at our company, please refer them! All you need to do is give their contact information to the hiring director and if we end up hiring them, you'll get a juicy bonus of $5k.
Benefits
In addition to good working conditions and competitive pay, it's our policy to provide a combination of supplemental benefits to all eligible employees. In keeping with this goal, each benefit program has been carefully devised. These benefits include time-off benefits, such as vacations and holidays, and insurance and other plan benefits. Of course, the information presented here is intended to serve only as guidelines.
We are happy to offer medical and dental insurance to our eligible employees. For more information, please see our benefits package.
We are happy to offer the following benefits to our employees: Flexible Spending Account (FSA), 401(k) Plan, Profit Sharing Plan, 0Disability Insurance, 00and Life Insurance..
The descriptions of the insurance and other plan benefits merely highlight certain aspects of the applicable plans for general information only. The details of those plans are spelled out in the official plan documents, which are available for review upon request from the office manager.
If employees have any questions regarding benefits, they should contact the office manager.
Holidays
At Delight Studios, all employees are paid (and not expected at work) for: New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.